Typewriting and like machine



G. G. GOING TYPEWRITING AND LIKE MACHINE "Feb. 28, 1939.

s Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 5, 1937 GEORGE 6T Go/rvs Feb. 28, G. G.GOING 2,148,690

' I v TYPEWRITING AND LIKE MACHINE Filed Feb. 5, 195'? s Sheejcs-SheetZ&

Feb. 28, 1939. s. G. some 2,148,690

TYPEWRITING AND LIKE MACHINE Filed Feb. 5, 1937 s Sheets-Sheet 3Patented Feb. 28, 1939 PATENT OFFICE 'TYPEWRITING AND LIKE, MACHINEGeorge G; Going, Stamford, Conn., assignor to Remington Rand, Inc.,Buffalo, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application February 5, 1937,Serial No. 124,287

x p 18'Claims.

. My invention relates in general to typewriting and like machines, andmore particularly to im- 7 proved means for varying the effective forceof the spring returning means for the type actions 5; thereby providingfor varying the touch required to operate such type actions.

The main object of myinvention, generally stated, is to provide improvedmeans of the character specified which is simple and highly effec- 10tive in'operation. 7 A further object of my invention is to providetouch regulatingmeans for simultaneously adjusting the effective forceof the returning springs of all the type actions to meet the desires ofvari- 5 ous operators, and to so construct the touch regulating'meansthat a light initial touch will be afforded regardless means.

A more specific object of my invention is to of the adjustment ,of such20 provide a construction wherein the resistance offered by thereturning springs to operation of the type actions increases asthe partsof the type actions move from normal position to the printing position,thus quickly returning the parts thereof 25 from thefprinting positionback to normal position and yet affording a light resistance to theinitial operating movement thereof. There is provided by the presentinvention adjusting means whereby the rate, at which the resistance tooperation of the type actions increases during theoperatingmovementthereof, may be varied to thereby vary the touch andyet retain a light initial touch regardless of such adjustment.

To the above and other ends which will herea 35 inafter appear, myinvention consists in the features of construction, arrangements ofparts and combinations of devices set forth in the following descriptionand particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

I 40 In the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference charactersindicate corresponding parts in the different views:

Fig. 1 is a vertical, fore and aft sectional view of sufficient numberof parts of a typewriting machine to illustrate my invention in itsembodiment therein. I g

Fig. 2 is a detail, front view of a spring anchoring member employed inthefo'rmof my invention shown in Fig. 1. 50 Fig. 3 is a detail, frontView of a universal bar or supporting member also employed in the formof my invention shown in. Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged plan view with parts in section of the endportions of the spring anchor- 55 ingand adjusting means assembly.

Fig. 5 is a front elevational view of parts shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a detail of the assembly shown in Fig. 4,the section being taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 4 and viewed in thedirection 5 of the arrows at said line.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of another detail of the assembly shown inFig. 4, the section being taken on line 'l--'! of Fig. 4, and viewed inthe direction of the arrows at said line.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged transverse sectional view showing the mechanism asit appears when adjusted to afiord a very light operating touch.

Fig. 9 is a like view of the same parts shown in Fig. 8 but shownadjusted to afford a heavier operating touch.

In the present instance, only so much of a typewriting machine has beenshown as is necessary for a complete understanding of the touchregulating mechanism of my invention. It should be understood, however,that the features of the present invention are not limited to theirembodiment in the particular type of machine illustrated herein, but maybe employed in various kinds of typewriting or'like machines, whereverfound available.

' The illustrated portion of the typewriting machine shown in Fig. 1includes a usual frame comprising side plates 10 and m said framehousing a complement of type actions, the front strike 3 type bars ofwhich coact with the usual platen ll mounted on a suitable carriagesupported to travel from side to side of the machine, which carriage hasnot been shown. Each type action includes a key lever l2 pivoted at itsrearward end on a fulcrLun wire l3 and provided with a finger key M atits forward end.

Each key lever I2 is returned toward its normal position by acontractile spring I5 connected to the key lever at a pointcomparatively close 40 to the fulcrum wire l3 and extending upwardly toan anchor rod l6. Each spring I5 is primarily to counteract the weightof the companion key lever l2 and to insure its return to the definitenormal position thereof, and being connected close to the fulcrum wirel3, the force exerted thereby is not sufficient to return the othermembers of the companion type action to normal position. Inasmuch as thespring I5 is accordingly not a factor which determines to anyappreciable extent the touch or the force required to operate the typeaction, the effective force of this spring I5 is not changed byadjustment of the present touch controlling mechanism.

An upstanding central portion I8 of each key lever I2 is pivotallyconnected to one end of a companion pull link I 9, the other end ofwhich is pivotally connected at I9 to a companion sublever 20. Thesub-levers 2B are all pivotally mounted on a pivot wire 21 located belowthe pivotal connections [9 with the pull links 19 and suitably supportedby the machine frame. The upper end of each sub-lever 2B is pivotallyconnected to one end'of a companion pull link 22, the other end of whichlink is pivotally connected to the heel of a companion type bar 23, thetype bars 23 being all pivotally mounted in a type bar segment on asegmental pivot wire 24 to impact against the front face of the platen II when actuated by a depression of the companion key lever.

The parts of each type action are returned to normal position by acontractile returning spring 25. The lower end of each returning spring'25 is connected in the present instance to the companion sub-lever 20,at 26, while the upper end of each spring 25 is connected to respectivehook portions 2'! of an anchor member or plate 28. it should beunderstood however, that each returning spring maybe connected to anyother suitable par tof the companion type action.

The anchor member 28 when in a position shown in Fig. '1 alines the"returning springs 25 radially, or substantially so, with the pivots 2|of the respective sub-levers 29 when said sub-levers are in normalposition as shown. it is obvious therefore, that the springs 125 in suchposition act against the pivot 2| and substantially against the deadcenter of their respective sub-levers '20 when the latter are in thenormal position, and accordingly the returning springs offer averyslight resistance to the initial operating movement of their respectivesub-levers from this normal position. Inaother words, the force 'of eachreturning :spring .25 which is effective to resist movement :of thecompanion sub-lever 20 is very slight during the first part of theoperating movement of the sub-lever but increases as the sub-levertravels during the approach of the companion type bar to the printingposition. This increase in resistance .of each of the springs 25 duringthis movement of the companion sub-lever is due wholly .to' the changingangle :at which the spring acts and .to the increasing effective forceexerted by the spring during its elongation and during such :change inits angular relation.

This change in the .efiective returning force of the springs .25 duringthe operating movement of the type :actions is a particularlyadvantageous feature of the present construction as it affords a lightinitial touch in operating the type actions which, as is wellunderstood, is a highly desirable factor. In other Words, the inertia fthe various parts of the typeaction must be overcome during thefirstpart of the travel of the finger key, and in the presentarrangement, the initial operating force required to overcome thisinertia is not appreciably increased by the returning spring at thispoint. However, after the parts of a type action have been set inmotion-and the type bar isappreaching the printing position, theelfective tion with the result that each type action is rapidly returnedto normal position and yet the slight effective force of the spring whenin normal position does not impose an unnecessary resistance to theinitial portion of printing movement.

Inasmuch as this light initial operating touch afforded the type actionsis highly desirable for the reasons set forth, I have provided adjustingmeans for controlling or varying the resistance to actuation of the keysthereby varying the touch to suit diiferent operators and yet theconstruction is such that said adjusting means may be employed to varythe touch without, however, affecting the very desirable result ofproviding a returning spring which offers a resistance to initialmovement of the type action which is very slight as compared with theforce effective to return the type action from the printing position.

In other words, I have provided a construction for simultaneouslychanging the resistance offered by all of the returning springs duringthe latter portion of the operating movements of the type actions toobtain :an-effective touch adjustment without, however, changing to anappreciable extent the resistance offered during the first part of theoperating movement of any of the type actions. In such touch adjustingmeans, I also provide :for reducing the resistance to actuation of the:keys still further than the comparatively slight resistance oifered bythe dead-center position of the returning springs shown in Fig. 1,thereby permitting an extremely light or feather touch to be affordedwhen desired, as'will hereinafter more clearly appear.

Such a touch regulating or adjusting means is provided in the presentembodiment by adjusting the spring anchor member 28 substantially aroundthe points 26 where the springs 25 are connected to the sub-levers 20 inorder to change the angular :relation of the springs 25 to the sublevers20 substantially without changing the stress of the springs themselves.The method of adjustably mounting the anchor member 28 is shownparticularly in Fig. 4 and Fig. wherein it will be seen that the extremeleft andright-hand ends of the anchor member 28 are provided with guiderods 35 and 3-5 respectively. Theguide rods 35 and 36 are fixedlysecured to the anchor member 28 by reduced diameter ends passing throughholes :3?! and 38 in the ends of the anchor member (see Fig. 2) and heldtherein by riveting over or flaring the protruding endsagainst the frontsurface of the anchor member 28. The other ends of the guide rods 35 and36 pass loosely through holes in angle brackets 4| and 42 respectively,the left-hand angle bracket 4! being secured to the left-hand side plateill of the frame, whereas the right-hand angle bracket 42 is secured toa similar right-hand side plate Ill The movement of the anchor :member28 away from the brackets 4| and '42 is limited by screws 43 and 44threaded into the ends of the guide rods 35 and 36 respectively, whichscrews have enlarged heads engageable with the rear surface of theassociated brackets 41 and 42.

A pivoted supporting bar or member 54 is provided to support the anchormember 28 by engaging the guide rods 35 and 36 beneath and near thefront ends thereof. This bar or supporting member 54 is shaped as shownin Fig. 3, the lower extreme ends being provided with rounded pivotextensions 55 which enter .holes 56 in the opposite side plates IE! andIll wherebysaid member 54 is supported for pivotal movement. The upperparts of each extreme endof the member 54 are provided with cars 58which enter annular grooves 59 and60 in the-guide rods 35 and 36respectively of the anchor plate 28, the grodves of the guide rodsreceiving the ears 58 and. the force of the returning springs 25 actingto thus maintain operative connection between the anchor plate 28 andthe pivotal support 54 therefor. I An adjustment of the anchor member 28is ef fected by aheaded screw 6|, the stem of which passes freelythrough a hole 62 in the right-hand end of the anchor member 28 (seeFig. 2) and is threaded into a tapped hole in the right-hand anglebracket 42. An expansion spring 63 surroundsthe-stem of the adjustingscrew 5| between the bracket 42 and the anchor member 28 to hold theanchor member against the headof the screw 6! and in any position towhich said anchor member may be adjusted. In adjusting the anchor plate28it'receives 'a bodily'movement with the upper end of the supportingplate 54 to any position between the two extremes shown in Figs. 8 andf9. It will be observed that in the Fig. 9 position a bead 2 8 on theanchor plate contacts the member 54 and prevents any further movement inthat direction'of the anchor plate.

It also will be seen that by supporting the anchor plate 28 on thepivoted supporting plate 54 as hereinbefore described a firm connectionis effected between the two at opposite ends so that a uniform extent ofadjustment of the anchor plate will 'be eifected at both ends thereofnotwithstanding the fact that a single adjusting screw'fillis providedat one end only of the anchor plate.

L In the present instance, it is not intended that thetouch controlmechanism be adjusted by the operator, but rather it is consideredadvisable that such adjustment be made by a mechanic or skilleddemonstrator to suit the individual operator for each machine.Accordingly, the adjusting means for the present touch regulator hasbeen provided in the form of the screw 6| which is not readilyaccessible from outside the frame of the machine but which must be setby a mechanic, demonstrator or like person by means of a suitable toolsuchas a screw driver.

In Fig. 8, the anchor plate'is shown adjusted by the screw 6| in aposition providing the light est operating touch afiorded by the touchregulating means, while in Fig. 9, it is shown as set in a differentposition which provides. the heaviest operating touch afforded herein.These two positions represent substantially the two extremes of thetouch adjustment, and obviously the parts may assume any intermediateposition to provide corresponding intermediate degrees ofoperatin'gtouch.

The anchor plate 28, when adjusted to its ex treme forward and upwardposition shown in Fig. 8, shifts the returning springs 25 slight-1yvforward of their dead-center alinement shown 7 in Fig. 1,- andaccordingly each of the returning springs 25 under such Fig. 8adjustment exerts a slight turning force in a clockwise or operatingdirection on its sub-lever 20 when in its normal position. This normalclockwise turning force exerted by each of the springs 25 in itsposition of adjustment shown in Fig. 8 obviously tends to lift thecompanion type bar 23 from its normal position, but such lifting actionis not suflicient to move the type bar from its type rest 0 nor toprevent the parts of the type action from readily returning andremaining in normal position. It will accordingly be clear that anyadjusted p0 sition of the anchor plate '28 beyond the position shown inFig. 1 toward the position shown in Fig. 8 causes the returning springsto tend'to counter-balance to various extents the weight of the typebars and actually to aid in the initial operating movements of the typebars.

' It will be clearthat in the present construction when the anchormember 28 is moved from its Fig. 8 position to its Fig. 9 position, thechange in the angle at which the returning springs act on the sub-leverswill result in a considerably greater total elongation of the returningsprings during a complete operation of the type actions toprintingposition. Accordingly inasmuch as the force of such springs increases inproportion to their elongation, the resistance offered by the returningsprings 25 to a clockwise movement of the sub-levers 20 will increasemore rapidly during such movement when the anchor member 28 ispositioned as in Fig. 9 than when positioned as in Fig. 8, this beingdue to the greater increase in force of the returning springs due to thegreater elongation thereof and due to the more advantageous angle atwhich this force acts on the sub-levers.

However, it will be noticed that this change in the angular relationofthe springs is substantially around their points of connection 26 withthe sub-levers so that the length of each spring 25 in the initialposition of the parts is substantially the same in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9.Accordingly it will be clear that the normal stress of the returningsprings is not changed by the present method of adjusting the touchregulating mechanism, and accordingly the slight change in the angle atwhich this fixed normal force of the springs acts on the sub-levers whenthe touch regulating means is adjusted as shown in Fig. 9, for example,does not materially change the resistance offered to the initialactuating movement of the sub-levers.

From the foregoing description, it will be understood that I haveprovided simple and effective touch controlling means for varying theoperating touch required on the printing keys to meet the desires ofvarious operators, and have provided means affording a light initialtouch regardless of the adjustment or the touch controlling means. Inother words, I have provided an arrangement wherein the resistanceoffered by the returning springs to operation of each of the typeactions increases as the parts thereof move from normal position toadvance a type bar to the printing position, whereby a quick return ofeach of the type actions from the printing po- Sition to the normalposition is effected and yet there is afforded a light resistance to theinitial operating movement. I have provided means for adjusting the rateat Which'this resistance offered by the returning springs increasesduring the operating movement, thus obtaining the desired Variation inthe touch and yet retaining a light initial touch regardless of suchadjustment.

An important feature of the present touch controlling means is extensionof the range of adjustment of the eifective force of the returningsprings whereby an extremely light operating touch may be afforded bychanging the direction of the normal effective force of the returningsprings and thus tend to counterbalance the weight of the type bars whenin normal position. This feature allows the machine to be adjusted toafford an extremely light touch to suit the desires of a beginner orlearner having unusually weak fingers and wherein the question of speedis not an essential factor.

Various changes may be made inthe construction, and certain, featuresthereof may be employed without others, without departing from my.invention as. it is defmedinthe accompanying claims.

What I claim. as new and. desire, tozseculre by Letters Patent is:

1. In. a typewriting orlike machine, the combination of a type action.including a pivoted member, a returning. spring connected to saidpivoted member and eXer-ting its force substantially against the-deadcenter thereof when the parts are in normalposition, thereby affording alight initial.- touch, and adjustable means for changing the-angularrelation of said spring relatively tosaid pivoted member substantiallywithout stressing said spring, whereby the effective force of thespringmay be variedto-regulate the touch. substantially without modifying thelight initial touch due to the uniformly stressed conditionof thespringunder varying adjustments of. said? adjustable means.

2. Ina typewriting-or; like machine, the combination of a series of typeactions each including a pivoted actuating member, a series ofcontractile returning springs each connected at one end to, one of, saidpivoted actuating members and exerting'the; effective force thereofsubstantially against the dead center. of the companion pivotedactuating member when the parts are in normal position thereby,affording a light initial touch, an anchor to'which' the-opposite endsof said; springs are connected, and adjustable means forshifting; saidanchor to simultaneously shift all; of saidsprings to change the angularrelation thereof withreferenceto their pivoted members substantially;without stressing said springs, whereby the effective force of saidsprings may be. simultaneously varied to regulate the touchsubstantially without. modifying the light initial touch due to theuniformly stressed condition of said: springs under varying adjusments'of said adjustable means.

3. In a typewriting or like machine, the com bination. of av seriesoftype actions, a series of coiled returning springs. each. having aneffective force acting in the direction of its length and each connectedat one end to a member of the companion type action, an anchorto whichthe opposite ends of said springs are connected, and adjustable meansfor adjusting said anchor in a direction transverse to the direction ofaction of said springs and substantially about the point of connectionof each spring with the companion type action to simultaneously vary theangular relation of the springs relatively to the said members to whichthey are connected substantially without changing the stress or tensionof the springs, whereby the effective force of the springs may besimultaneously varied to regulate the touch substantially. withoutmodifying the light initial touch due totheuniformly stressed conditionof said springs under varying adjustments of said adjustable means.

4. In a typewriting or'like machine, the com-- bination of: a series oftype actions, a series of coiled returning: springs each. having aneffective force acting in the direction of its length and each connectedat one end to a member of the companion type action; andmeans forsimultaneously adjusting theopposite ends of said springs in an arcsubstantially around the ends thereof which are connected to members ofthe type actions for simultaneously varying the angular relation of saidsprings, relatively to the members of the type action: to whichthey areconnected substantially without" changing, thestressz or tensionof thesprings, wherebythe effective force of the springs may be simultaneouslyvaried. to regulate the touch substantially without modifying the lightinitial touch due tothe uniformly stressed condition of said springsunder varying adjustments of saidadjustable means.

5.. Ina typewriting or like machine, the combinationof a type actionincludinga pivoted sub;- lever, a returning spring connected atone endthereto and in: the normal position of: the? parts exerting itsforcesubstantially against the dead center of said sub-lever; and means foradjusting said spring at the opposite end" thereof sub"- stantiallyaround its point of connection with said, sub-lever for changing the"angular relation of the spring. as a. whole relativelyto its sub-leversubstantially without changing. the stress or tension of the spring,whereby the, effective force: of the spring may be varied: to. regulatethe touch without modifying: the light initiale touch duein theuniformly stressed, condition. of the spring under varying adjustmentsthereof.

6. In a typewriting or like machine, the combi.-- nation. of a. typeactionincluding a pivoted sublever, a returning spring connected at oneend thereto, and means for adjusting said spring at the opposite endthereof in anare substantially around its point of connectionwithsaidsub-lever for changing the angular relation of. the spring as awhole relatively to its sub-lever substantially without changing thestress or tension of the spring, whereby the effective force ofthespring may be varied to regulate the touchwithout modifying the lightinitial touch due, to the uniformly stressed. condition of the springunder varying adjustments thereof.

7. Ina typewriting or like machinethe combination of type bars,actuating means therefor, springshaving an effective force acting in thedirection of the length thereof for-returning said actuating means to.normal position, and touch regulating means comprising adjustable meansfor simultaneously varying. the returning force exerted by all of said.springs on the companion actuatingmeans solely by changingthe angulardirectionof action. of said springs without. varying. the tensionthereof.

8. In a typewriting or like machine,. the combination of type bars,actuatingmeans therefor; springs having an effective force acting. inthe direction of. the length thereof for returning said actuatingmeanstonormal. position, and touch regulating means comprisingadjustable; means for simultaneously. varying the eifectiveforce of allof said springs by changing the direction of action thereofsubstantially without varying. the initial tension thereof.

9-. In a typewriting or. like machine,-. the combinationof type bars,key levers,v pivoted sublevers actuated by said. key levers, returningsprings attached to said sub-levers and each normally exerting its forcesubstantially against the dead center ofthe associated sub-lever, andtouch regulating means including adjustable means for adjusting saidsprings substantially about the points of connection thereof with: thesub-levers substantially without varying the uniform tension exerted bysaid. springs when the sub-levers are in normal position.

10. In a typewriting or like machine, the combination with type bars,key levers, and pivoted sub-levers; of returning springs, an anchor.therefor, the returning springs extending in thenormal disposition ofthe parts between said anchor and sub-levers each in a direction to actsubstantially against the dead center of its associated sub-lever, andtouch regulating means comprising a bar for supporting said anchor formovement in a direction to change the angle of action of said springs onsaid sub-levers without varying the tension of the springs, andadjustable means for moving said anchor.

11. In a typewriting or like machine, the combination of type actions,coiled returning springs therefor, andtouch control mechanism thereforcomprising an anchor to which one end of each of said springs isconnected, means for supporting said anchor for bodily movement in adirection transverse to the lengths of said springs to change theangular relation thereof substantially without modifying the tension ofsaid springs, a pivoted supporting plate on which said anchor issupported, and'adjustable means cooperative with said anchor foradjusting it and holding it against accidental displacement from itsadjusted position.

12. In a typewriting or like machine, the combination of type actions,contractile returning springs therefor, and touch control mechanismcomprising an anchor to which one end of each of said springs isconnected, a member supporting said anchor against the force of saidsprings and pivoted to allow bodily movement of said anchor member in adirection transverse to the lengths of said springs to change theangular relation thereof substantially without modifying the tension ofsaid springs, and micrometer means for adjusting the position of saidanchor.

13. In a typewriting or like machine, the combination of a type actionincluding a pivoted sublever, a returning spring acting on saidsub-lever at an angle to provide a resistance to movement thereof whichincreases as the type action moves from normal position to printingposition, and adjusting means for adjusting the angle at which saidreturning spring acts on said sub-lever and thereby varying the rate atwhich the resistance of said spring to movement of the sub-leverincreases as the type action moves from normal position to printingposition, said spring having a substantially uniform normal stressirrespective of the adjustment of said adjusting means.

14. In a typewriting or like machine, the combination of a type actionincluding a pivoted member, a returning spring connected to said andfrom the dead center of said pivoted member in a direction to exert aforce tending to initially move the pivoted member from normal position.

15. In a typewriting or like machine, the combination of a type actionincluding a pivoted member, a returning spring connected to said pivotedmember, and touch regulating means including adjustable means forchanging the normal angle of action of said returning spring to and fromthe dead center of said pivoted member in either of two directions,whereby the normal effective force of the spring may tend to return thepivoted member to normal position or exert its force to tend initiallyto move the pivoted member from normal position.

16. In a typewriting or like machine, the combination of type bars,springs having an effective force acting in the direction of the lengththereof for returning said type bars to normal position, and touchregulating means comprising adjustable means for simultaneously varyingthe effective force of all of said springs on the companion type bars bymerely changing the direction in which said efiective force acts on thecompanion type bars and without appreciably changing the initial stressof said springs.

17. In a typewriting or like machine, the combination of type bars, typebar actuating devices, coiled contractile springs for returning saidactuating devices and type bars to normal position, and touch regulatingmeans comprising adjustable means for simultaneously varying theeffective force of all of said springs on the companion actuatingdevices by merely changing the direction in which said effective forceacts on the companion actuating devices and without appreciably changingthe initial stress of said contractile springs.

18. In a typewriting or like machine, the combination of a printing key,a member actuated at each depression of said key, a returning springconnected at one end to said member, and touch regulating means foraltering the touch on said printing key including means for adjustingsaid spring at the opposite end thereof in an arc substantially aroundits point of connection with said member for changing the angularrelation of the spring relative to said member substantially withoutchanging the normal stress or tension of the spring, whereby theeffective force of the spring may be varied to regulate the touch on theprinting key without modifying the light initial touch due to theuniformly stressed normal condition of the spring under varyingadjustments thereof.

GEORGE G. GOING.

